10 best places where your mom can buy you quality socks …
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Nothing says love like a fresh pair of socks and underwear from mom. But, as with any gift, sometimes the gifter might not get it exactly right. Maybe you’ll get a really ugly pair of socks that would put Justin Trudeau to shame, or maybe you’ll get boxers when you prefer briefs.
Listen here — you’re an adult — and that means you should be relatively OK with telling your mother that underwear from Wet Seal is not ideal. A gentle nudge in the right direction could do the trick, but if your mother still isn’t getting it, perhaps a little more guidance is avoid dealing with any of these awful possibilities, we’ve come up with a lovely list of stores that sell high quality socks and undies. Most of these stores are online, and they have an exceptional list of options that you can easily link to so your mom so she doesn’t make any mistakes. 1. Hot Sox
Men’s Optical Stripe Crew Socks and Women’s Large Polka Dot Crew Socks from Hotsox
Credit: Hotsox / Mashable Composite
You’ll be the envy of all of your friends and coworkers with a pair of snazzy socks from Hot Sox. The Men’s Optical Strip Crew Sock is a pretty solid pattern that you can wear in and out of the office, and you can’t go wrong with the Women’s Large Polka Dot Crew Sock. If you’re not a fan of these options, Hot Sox has plenty of more socks and patterns that will make a solid gift. If you’re trying to look professional, just make sure to tell mom to avoid any of the weird husky or narwhal prints — unless you’re into that, of $12. 00 for Men’s Optical Stripe Crew Sock and $6. 00 for Women’s Large Polka Dot Crew Socks2. Intimissimi
Ultra-Lightweight Microfiber and Tulle Triangle Bra and Tie Print Stretch-Cotton Boxers from Intimissimi
Credit: Intimissimi / Mashable Composite
Underwear can be tricky to navigate with mom, especially if you’re into some more risqué options. But if we’re being practical here, the Ultra-Lightweight Microfiber and Tulle Triangle Bra and Tie Print Stretch-Cotton Boxers from Intimissimi are good places to from bras and boxers, Intimissimi offers a wide variety of underwear and that might work better for you. Just make sure to tell mom what size you are because no one likes uncomfortable $49. 00 for Ultra-Lightweight Microfiber and Tulle Triangle Bra and $22. 00 for Tie Print Stretch-Cotton Boxers3. Happy Socks
Men’s Twisted Smile Socks and Women’s Cactus Socks from Happy Socks.
Credit: Happy Socks / Mashable Composite
Happy is exactly how you’re going to feel when you get these socks. The Men’s Twisted Smile Sock and Women’s Cactus Socks from Happy Socks are just two examples of the dozens of amazing patterns this store so many cute and fun patterns to choose from, mom will have a blast trying to find the perfect match for you. Price: $12. 00 for Men’s Twisted Smile Socks and $12. 00 for Women’s Cactus Socks4. MeUndies
Men’s Jellies Briefs and Women’s Life’s A Peach Bikini from Me Undies
Credit: Me undies / Mashable composite
I’m here for cute underwear, always, and you should be too! The Men’s Jellies Briefs and Women’s Life’s A Peach Bikini underwear from MeUndies look absolutely comfortable, stylish, and you might wonder if it’s weird for mom to get you a pair of kitschy underwear, she will probably be too stunned by how delightful the underwear looks. Just be sure to let her know that if she wants to explore different options, she should click on “Classic, ” Bold, ” or “Adventurous” tabs next to the style of underwear to get to the fun stuff. Otherwise she’ll be looking at plain, black underwear, which, hey, might be your thing. Price: $24. 00 for Men’s Jellies Briefs and $18. 00 for Women’s Life’s A Peach Bikini 5. Sock it to Me
Men’s Burger Crew Socks and Women’s Tour de Neighborhood Knee Socks from Sock it to Me
Credit: sock it to me / mashable composite
Sock it to Me can literally hit me in the face and stuff my mouth with the Men’s Burger Crew Socks because they’re just great. But the Women’s Tour de Neighborhood Knee Socks are also pretty cute too, so I’m torn. If you’re feeling this way, or want more styles and patterns to choose from, definitely take a look before sending this site to mom. She might get lost on here just looking at the zillions of $11. 50 for Men’s Burger Crew Socks and $12. 00 for Women’s Tour de Neighborhood Knee Socks6. Calvin Klein
Men’s Commodore Blue Evolution Micro Boxer Brief and Women’s Lyria Blue Seductive Comfort Lace Lift Demi Bra from Calvin Klein.
Credit: Calvin Klein / Mashable Composite
Remember when the Biebs promoted Calvin Klein? God, that was a mess wasn’t it? Well, thankfully the underwear available at this well-known brand is top quality, and makes for a perfect gift to yourself, from are a ton of underwear to choose from in Calvin Klein’s online store, so the Men’s Commodore Blue Evolution Micro Boxer Brief, and the Women’s Lyria Blue Seductive Comfort Lace Lift Demi Bra are just the tip of the iceberg. Price: $30. 00 for Men’s Commodore Blue Evolution Micro Boxer Brief and $48. 00 for Women’s Lyria Blue Seductive Comfort Lace Lift Demi Bra 7. Socks by Stance
Men’s Shade Socks and Women’s Just Dandy Everyday Socks from Socks by Stance
Credit: socks by stance / mashable composite
Socks by Stance is a fancy sock place. Not fancy in the sense that you won’t be able to afford it, but just look at the Men’s Shade Socks and the Women’s Just Dandy Everyday Socks. From Star Wars, to Hello Kitty, you and your mother will absolutely have a hard time deciding which brands, style, and patterns of socks are meant for you. Price: $14. 00 for Men’s Shade Socks and $14. 00 for Women’s Just Dandy Everyday Socks8. TomboyX
Island Blue Iconic Briefs and 4. 5″ Next Gen Magenta Trunks from TomboyX
Credit: Tomboyx / mashable composite
Being one the very few gender-neutral underwear brands, TomboyX is out here to make boxers, briefs, bikinis, trunks, and all the other styles of undergarments available for all body types, regardless of those who identify as gender neutral, exploring your identity, or want to try something new, the Island Blue Iconic Briefs or the Next Gen Magenta Trunks are a great place to start. But, like with any brand, there are always plenty of options. Any piece of underwear from this store also makes for a nice gift from $18. 00 for Island Blue Iconic Briefs and $25. 00 for Next Gen Magenta Trunks9. Bombas
Men’s Evergreen Navy Merino Wool Socks and Women’s Aster Purple Lightweight Crew Sock from Bombas
Credit: Bombas / mashable composite
The name of this brand apparently derives from the Latin word for “bumblebee, ” and like these precious creatures, they’re here to make the world a better place. For every pair of socks you purchase, the brand donates a pair to a homeless Men’s Evergreen Navy Merino Wool Socks and the Women’s Aster Purple Lightweight Crew Socks make for a comfy and practical pair socks that go with most outfits. Price: $18. 00 for Men’s Evergreen Navy Merino Wool Socks and $14. 00 for Women’s Aster Purple Lightweight Crew Sock10. H&M
Men’s Green/Patterned Boxer Shorts and Women’s Light Beige Microfiber T-Shirt Bra from H&M
Credit: H&M / Mashable Composite
H&M is another major clothing brand that actually carries some pretty solid underwear. While some of the options might not be high fashion, a pack of three Men’s Green/Patterned Boxer Shorts or a Women’s Light Beige Microfiber T-Shirt Bra are a good investment. H&M offers such a huge variety of underwear styles, and the cost is relatively cheap compared to other places. So if you’re looking to get a lot bang for your buck, definitely tell mom to take a look at some of the many options that are available online. Price: $17. 99 for Men’s Green/Patterned Boxer Shorts and $17. 99 for Women’s Light Beige Microfiber T-Shirt Bra
Related Video: Control your smart home assistant with these underwear
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22 of the Best Online Sock Stores – ThreadCurve
I got into socks big time about 1 month ago. I added some very cool colorful socks to my collection and I love them. My research resulted in this really good list of the best online sock stores.
Recently I got into colorful socks. My entire life I wore single-color socks. Then one day I decided to mix it up and add more style to my look so I started looking online for colorful socks.
The more I searched, the more sock stores I discovered online. I couldn’t believe how many there were. I noted them down. Ultimately I made my purchase and in the process put this article together.
ContentsHere’s my list of 22 of the best sock stores online1. Smartwool2. Mack Weldon3. boldsocks4. Stance5. Socks Addict6. Bombas7. Happy Socks8. The Sock Drawer9. Black Socks10. Solo Socks11. Sock Smith12. John’s Crazy Socks13. Soxy14. Strideline15. My Photo Socks16. Fun Socks17. Joy of Socks18. Dap Rogers19. Rockay20. ModSock21. Foot Traffic22. Invisasox
Here’s my list of 22 of the best sock stores online
1. Smartwool
Smartwool is one of the most well-known sock brands specializing in socks for hikers and outdoor adventure seekers. Founded by ski instructors in Colorado in 1994, Smartwool has quickly become a go-to sock for outdoor sports. Smartwool offers socks made from New Zealand wool that include such benefits as odor reduction and moisture-wicking. Smartwool now offers socks for all occasions and makes sizes for men, women, and children.
2. Mack Weldon
Launched in 2012, Mack Weldon is a lifestyle brand that focuses on high-quality men’s basics. They offer traditional dress socks in a variety of designs, as well as no-show socks and other men’s wardrobe basics. Made from high-quality materials and focused on fit, Mack Weldon is a great choice when big box brands feel lacking.
3. boldsocks
As the name suggests, boldsocks offers interesting and uniquely patterned socks that stand out among boring blacks and browns. Available for men, women, and children boldsocks has offerings of slightly elevated classics to bold and bright scenes and colors. Starting in 2011 from a desire for more interesting dress socks, boldsocks now offers socks in a variety of sizes from no-show to men’s XL and stocks wedding-ready socks along with customizable designs.
4. Stance
Stance offers all kinds of socks for everyone from star wars novelty to runners socks, from knee highs to stockings. Started in 2009, their mantra is “embrace the uncommon thread”. They are a lifestyle brand popular among athletes, artists, and celebrities. You can even order a monthly subscription of new socks to keep your closet fresh.
5. Socks Addict
Touting themselves as “soxperts”, Socks Addict is interested in bringing you the newest, highest functioning, and most inventive socks available. With a huge inventory of men’s, women’s, and kid’s for any occasion or activity, Socks Addict is excited to be bringing yo the best socks. They even have a blog dedicated to all things socks.
6. Bombas
Starting in 2013 with a 1 for 1 business model (they donate a pair for every pair purchased), Bombas makes customers feel like philanthropists while also getting a pair of quality socks. They take care to consider common sock issues and resolve them all while having donated over 8. 6 million pairs of socks. One additional feature unique to Bombas is their laundry back guarantee. Lose a sock in the laundry and they will replace it for free within one year.
7. Happy Socks
Happy Socks was founded in 2008 with the goal of making interesting, colorful, and high-quality socks. Offering fun and colorful socks for men and women, Happy Socks lives up to its names with designs that incorporate seasons, animals, and even features popular artists such as Andy Warhol.
8. The Sock Drawer
The Sock Drawer is all about expressing joy and positivity through your socks. Starting as a brick and mortar store in 2007, The Sock Drawer expanded online in 2011 and was met with great success in the online sock stores market. Now offering thousands of different socks, this is a great place if you are looking for a gift or simply to brighten your wardrobe.
9. Black Socks
Open since 1999, Black Socks specializes in dress socks for men, featuring all the standard colors with varying length options. Chic, simple, and sophisticated, Black Socks is great for men who need comfortable, high-quality dress socks. If you are looking for luxury, they even offer cashmere and Merino wool options.
10. Solo Socks
Solo Socks began in 2016 and was founded on reducing waste by creating sets of seven socks that mix and match. This fun and funky concept gives you more options for daily wear and eliminates the frustration that comes with missing socks. A Danish brand, they ship all over the world and offer socks for men, women, and kids in varying lengths and designs. They even sell a “mystery box” if you are an adventurous shopper.
11. Sock Smith
A fun option for cute and creative socks for the whole family, Sock Smith started as a boutique shop then opened online in 2007. “No Boring Socks! ” is what they say, and that surely seems to be the case with many bright and colorful designs. One great feature of Sock Smith is their Sock of the Month club where recipients get two pairs of socks each month.
12. John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was co-founded in 2016 by John Lee Cronin, a young entrepreneur with Down syndrome, and his father. Committed to serving people with differing abilities, John’s Crazy Socks gives 5% of earning to the Special Olympics. With a fun Sock of the Month Club and fun playfully designed socks, this is a sock company you can feel good about buying from.
13. Soxy
With great graphic prints that can be purchased individually or in bundles of 5 pairs, Soxy is a great way to add fun socks that are still everyday wearable. Soxy socks are designed for men, and according to the two brothers who founded the company, the goal is, “to generate 1, 000, 000 compliments. ” With their hip yet accessible designs, they are surely well on their way.
14. Strideline
Strideline prides itself on being the most comfortable sock on earth. With heavy science behind the design, Strideline offers a soft, perfect fit that won’t bunch or slip. Crafted with memory yarn, Strideline has spent over a decade getting their materials just right. Founded by two men right out of high school, this company is dedicated to the success and comfort of their socks for men and women.
15. My Photo Socks
Totally customizable, My Photo Socks offers tons of fun designs made with images that you provide. They can be faces of friends or family, dogs or pets, or whatever else you think would look great on your feet. Surprising a loved one with a gift of socks featuring you is a unique fun gift that they will always remember. With designs for any occasion and age, My Photo Socks are great all year round.
16. Fun Socks
Fun Socks offers a plethora of amazing socks from casual, to party, from dressed up to the gym, they have something for every sock need you could imagine. Fun Socks is an offshoot of the lifestyle brand Fun Company and was founded in 2017. Like everything at Fun Company, Fun Socks goes for a New York vibe of fashionable, edgy, classic, and fun all at once. With designs for men, women, and kids you cannot go wrong with this class and energetic brand.
17. Joy of Socks
Joy of Socks is one of the oldest online sock stores. With a hand-picked collection of unique styles and rare patterns, Joy of Socks has an impressive inventory. Offering a unique collection of fun and funky knee highs and socks, you can dress up any look with their fun designs. With socks for the whole family, Joy of Socks is a great option for gifts, special occasions, or wardrobe upgrades.
18. Dap Rogers
Offering many men’s accessories but specializing in socks, Dap Rogers goal is “to enhance one’s presentation and create a unique & sophisticated look”. Offering hand-selected and high-quality products from respectable brands, Dap Rogers is great when you want to add a little extra something creative to your wardrobe while maintaining a high-class look.
19. Rockay
Rockay makes premium socks designed for the serious runner. Founded in Denmark, Rockay not only wants to create socks ideal for a runner’s gait but also has a sustainability mission at their heart. Hoping to move to fabrics that can be recycled and making fabrics from plastics, Rockay is committed to creating their product and doing good for the planet at the same time.
20. ModSock
Launching as an independent brand in 2013, ModSock offers its own original designs while also selling other popular sock brands. ModSock offers cute, fun, and whimsical socks for men, women, and children, and is easy to browse based on size or brand. Offering everything from wool hiking socks to holiday favorites, ModSock is easy to shop with and will surely leave you feeling great about your new socks.
21. Foot Traffic
Foot Traffic started as a specialty sock store in 1986 and has been having fun selling bold socks ever since. Offering socks for everyone and every occasion, they have an especially impressive collection of women’s socks that includes fun and colorful knee highs and over the knee-high socks, lace socks, tights, leggings, leg warmers, and thigh highs.
22. Invisasox
Invisasox was crafted by people who loved wearing shoes without socks but hated the blisters, sweaty feet, and stinky shoes that came along with it. In response to this issue, Invisasox was born. With the aim to make the best no-show sock on the market, Invisasox offers one simple design for men and women in five different color options.
The 28 Best Options to Buy Fun Men’s Socks Online in 2021
Explore where to buy the best colorful and fun socks for men online from an amazing crop of stylish men’s clothing brands, including the best bets for socks on Amazon, in this updated for 2021 guide.
Fun socks may make the tech entrepreneur, but demand for colorful men’s hosiery is soaring beyond the digital creative class.
The rise of fun socks for menAt a glance: 8 best options for fun socks for menFun socks for men on AmazonWhere to buy fun socks for menFun dress socks for menThese men’s sock brands went out of businessesAbout Jake
The rise of fun socks for men
One of the least expensive ways to upgrade a man’s wardrobe is to buy new socks. Fun socks for men are relatively inexpensive and one of the few outlets for a man to add color and express some personality.
“The power sock can make the biggest difference in an ensemble, and can say a lot about you and your sense of style, ” says Tina Israni, founder of online sock emporium, who started her company “to provide an alternative to the bland sock lifestyle that is all too common today. ”
Fun and colorful socks can be worn with business casual and dressy leather sneakers for men. The right fun dress socks for men can even be worn with made-to-measure suits.
At a glance: 8 best options for fun socks for men
This is admittedly a deep-dive post, which I’ve added to over the years as I have gotten to know more brands of socks for men.
Here are my absolute favorite options for fun socks for men based on my personal experience:
Fun socks brandWhy I like themHappy Socks (shop at Amazon)For all-around value, comfort and style, these are my go-to option for fun socks for men. Unsimply Stitched (shop at Amazon)Incredibly soft socks available in a wide variety of fun colors and (buy at Nordstrom)Thicker, fun-but-not crazy socks with a worthy ctThe most comfortable, durable and truly amazing socks I own, but the selection is Sock DrawerA women-owned small business highlighting unique novelty and holiday-themed dthreads by AmazonA great multipack selection of comfortable and fun ldfoot Socks (shop at Amazon)Really comfortable, really attractive, 100% American-made fun socks. No Cold Feet One of my favorite options for fun dress socks for men appropriate for work and weddings.
Fun socks for men on Amazon
Amazon is a great place to find all sorts of things, but their selection of socks for men can be overwhelming.
Search for “fun men’s socks” on Amazon, and up pops a dizzying array of options from brands I’ve never heard of like NKPT, FatMingo Socks, Toejyj, WeciBor, Bisousox, HSELL, Jeasona, Facefuture, Zicozy, Tango11s, TCK, BONANGEL, and Soxury.
If you’re looking for colorful and fun socks on Amazon, I suggest starting with these brands:
Happy Socks
I find myself coming back time-and-again to Happy Socks for their exceptional combination of bright colors and attractive patterns, comfort, and durability.
Happy Socks’ brand seems so ubiquitous these days that it’s hard to believe the brand only began in 2008.
Founded by graphic designer Viktor Tell and advertising executive Mikael Söderlindh, Happy Socks began cranking out colorful and fun power socks before it was a thing. The company leveraged global relationships and local distributors to spread the word and sell quality, often whimsical socks for men (and women and kids).
Grab their fun socks at Nordstrom, on the Happy Socks website, or through ’s large selection of Happy Socks.
Unsimply Stitched
It is hard to overstate how much I love Unsimply Stitched’s socks.
Los Angeles-based Unsimply Stitched was founded in the early days of 2011 by Alex Hendeles “with the hope of being able to support the growth of the ever expanding sock revolution” and providing men with “a large range of design and colors on a constant basis. ”
Hendeles’ fun socks, a blend of combed cotton, elastane and polyamide fibers, are super-soft and feature a wide range of unique and colorful patterns like plaids, polka-dots, stripes, windowpanes and zig-zags.
Israni of notes that Unsimply Stitched is among her shop’s three top-selling brands.
These socks are comfortable, thin enough to be worn with dress shoes, durable enough to stand up to life, and spectacular. Hendeles’ focus on design development means I am always looking forward to the next season’s release.
Shop: Get Unsimply Stitched socks quickly via Amazon Prime or via Unsimply Stitched’s website.
Read more: Meet Unsimply Stitched and their New Spring Socks | Unsimply Stitched CEO Alex Hendeles on Funky Crazy Socks, Boxers and How Time Flies
Goodthreads by Amazon
Amazon has been expanding its selection of menswear labels, and its centerpiece is the Goodthreads brand of clothing and accessories. Goodthreads offers a growing selection of really attractive sock multipacks constructed of 80% Cotton, 19% Nylon and 1% Spandex for an unbelievably affordable price point.
Boldfoot Socks
Since entrepreneur Brad Christmann launched on Kickstarter and rapidly surpassed its funding goal in 2014, Boldfoot Socks has taken off with a funky line of American-made socks.
Brad designs his fun socks himself (“I’m by no means a professional designer, but I know enough to be dangerous”) and donates 5 percent of profits to vets in need.
He told Modern Fellows that, “There’s a 1. 7x multiplier when someone buys USA-made, meaning for every $100 spent on USA-made goods, $170 is re-invested in the U. S. economy…I’d be quite proud if I could inspire even a few thousand Americans to purchase more USA-made products. ”
Read more: DC-Based Boldfoot Socks Launches Via Kickstarter.
Shop: Boldfoot Socks are available, via the Boldfoot Socks Etsy storefront and the Boldfoot Socks website.
Amazon Essentials
Amazon Essentials sits at the lowest price-point of Amazon’s house brands for men. Like Goodthreads, Amazon Essentials offers a small selection of five-packs of patterned, striped and fun socks for men made from 82% Cotton, 17% Nylon, and 1% Elastane.
Easton Marlowe
Easton Marlowe’s ridiculously-cheap, good-looking multipack socks are made from a combed cotton blend in Portugal.
Shop: Easton Marlowe on Amazon.
Where to buy fun socks for men
Amazon isn’t the only place to find fun socks for men. The colorful and fun sock options below make great gifts for men and help to support small businesses and innovative ventures.
If you’re looking to give a unique gift, look to the options below, which enable you to tell the recipient about the great company you discovered, where it was manufactured and why you were excited about buying it.
Pact
In my opinion, Pact Clothing makes some of the best socks for men on the internet.
The brand, founded by entrepreneurs Jason Kibbey and Jeff Denby in 2009, specializes in sustainably and ethically-produced organic cotton basics. (Brendan Synnott, who currently serves as Pact’s CEO, acquired Pact via his Revelry Brands company in 2011. )
I really like Pact’s entire range of organic cotton basics for men. Pact makes comfortable and cheap tagless boxers and t-shirts for men, along with leggings and activewear for women.
As for Pact’s socks, they are the most durable socks I own. Pact’s socks are pleasantly thick and have a unique wrap-around cushioned foot-bed that adds to their durability. While I wish they had more of a variety, I love the the colors and patterns that are on offer.
Highly-recommended.
Bombas
Randy Goldberg and David Heath founded Bombas Socks in 2013 with a mission to help deliver socks to homeless shelters. Many shelters do not accept donations of socks (and most thankfully don’t accept used socks. Yuck. )
The founders have built an impressive company, becoming ceritified as a B-corporation that meets certain sustainability and transparency standards and has given more than 25 million pairs of socks to homeless shelters.
They’ve done this all while constructing really comfortable, thick and eye-catching socks for men and women that are available on Bombas’ website and via a host of retailers including Nordstrom and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The Sock Drawer
The Sock Drawer carriers some truly unique socks for men and women that make great gifts.
The company is a woman-owned small business that curates one of the largest and most unique collections of novelty socks and other fun giftables that I’ve seen on the web.
Try The Sock Drawer for Halloween socks, Christmas socks, Valentine’s Day socks and all sorts of fun themes from animals to Bob Ross and Harry Potter. Their mission is “to weave us a little closer together through the unique, colorful socks we all love. ”
Sock Fancy
I love the look of Sock Fancy, a sock subscription startup launched in 2013 by childhood friends Futhum Tewolde and Stefan Lewinger, who were frustrated by expensive socks that didn’t last.
The two moved to Atlanta, became roommates, conceived of the business and started shipping from their living room ping pong table. They exchanged their ping pong table for a 5, 000-sq. ft. warehouse and office in Cabbagetown, and, to date, have sold half-a-million socks to over 85 countries.
Besides eminently clickable headers (“rock out with your sock out, ” “separate yourself from the pack”), their 70% combed cotton, 200 needle socks are unique and super-colorful.
Mack Weldon
Mack Weldon produces a full range of “men’s basics” — undershirts, briefs and trunks as well as socks. Manufactured in WRAP-certified facilities in China and Thailand, their socks come in a series of clean-looking solids, stripes and dots.
They featured a cushioned footbed, extended crew length and a blend of cotton/spandex that is engineered to recover and hold its shape throughout the day, and which make Mack Weldon’s socks among the heaviest I’ve reviewed.
Shop via the Mack Weldon website.
Society Socks
Sergey Sapelnyk and Filip Pejic founded Society Socks in 2015 after meeting at the University of Toronto. Their company sells a range of colorful, whimsical socks made of a blend of 70% combed cotton, 28% nylon and 2% spandex, via a monthly subscription model. (You can also purchase individual pairs online. )
For each pair sold, Society Socks will donate an additional pair to someone in need. Socks (along with underwear) are some of the least donated but most needed items of clothing — since most donation centers won’t accept them used.
Axio’s Steve Levine penned a nice write up, the politics and charity of flashy socks, featuring Society Socks.
Shop via Society Socks’ website.
Modern Motif Sock Co
A small boutique retailer based out of Miami, Florida, Modern Motif Sock Co specializes in Men’s power socks, whose motto is “Be bold, be unique. ”
I love the playful, yet still tasteful, novelty sock patterns (including mustaches and rubber duckies) and color combinations. These are unique and fun socks that can pull double duty at the office and bar. Modern Motif also offers a range of other menswear accessories including neckties and cufflinks.
Shop: Discover Modern Motif’s socks via the company’s website.
Nice Laundry
Founded by former LivingSocial coworkers, Nice Laundry’s socks have a pretty incredible combination of looks, comfort, fit and durability. The colors are lively and well-balanced, the cotton blend is medium weight, and the socks stay up around mid-calf all day. Read more: Getting to know Nice Laundry and their Exceptionally Nice Socks.
Shop: Buy packs and sock subscriptions via the Nice Laundry Website.
Tie Your Socks
Tie Your Socks makes gloriously comfortable socks. Their bright and quirky designs stand out, and the company donates one pair of socks for every purchase to a community organization that train and cloth people in need.
Shop: Get free shipping on the Tie Your Socks website.
Zkano
Fort Payne, Alabama-based manufacturer and retailer Zkano has come into its own with an attractive lineup of crew, over-the-calf and ankle socks for men.
Founder Gina Locklear has developed an organic, low-impact dye, Made-in-America line of really comfortable (and fun) socks. Read more: Bucking the Trend, Zkano’s Gina Locklear Carves Out an Organic Niche for Alabama Socks
Shop: At
Inclusive Trade
Nab a pair of great men’s socks with a cause from Guatemalan entrepreneur Antonio Prahl from London-based micro-ecommerce platform Inclusive Trade.
As I noted in my review of Prahl’s socks, his “designs are fun and funky, using bright color patterns, unusual shapes and, in some cases, contrasting patterns to add interest to a man’s outfit, ” while “the fiber content is a solid combination of combed cotton, polyester, spandex and rubber, which sill feels super-soft and stays comfortably-up on your leg after multiple washings. ”
Franklin Morrow
Alex Goodman founded Franklin Morrow out of Columbus, Ohio to make fun-yet-professional socks while giving back to the community. For every pair of socks you buy, they donate a pair to someone in need. Their socks are a blend of combed cotton, nylon and elastine and come in fun patterns.
He wrote that he started the company “because we love socks and we love people, ” adding that others “are overcharging for designs that are just plain unprofessional, and why should you be limited in your options for accessories? ”
Shop at Franklin Morrow’s website.
Soxfords
“Born out of a frustrated attempt to find a pair of fish-themed socks for a Father’s Day gift, ” Soxfords was bootstrapped by a husband and wife team in 2013. Soxfords’ niche is to “bridge the gap between novelty and dress in men’s socks, ” which it does through quirky, fun, and mostly-subtle patterns from lobsters to officially-licensed Space Invaders.
Manufactured in Colombia, the socks are made from a premium blend of Peruvian Pima cotton yarn, using a double woven thread — that means twice as much yarn per square inch — for extra durability. Soxfords has upgraded its style quite a bit from their first batch of socks nearly 5 years ago.
Shop: Purchase at
WestMister Socks
Founded by textile industry veterans Luís Campos and Vanessa Marques in 2016 in Portugal, WestMister uses high-quality, mercerised cotton lisle produced through 200 needles machines and features hand-linked toes.
These made-in-Portugal socks get free shipping worldwide with a purchase of 75 euros or more (about USD$85 as of this writing).
Sock Club
Established in 2012 in Austin, Texas, Sock Club’s founders Noah and Dane focuses on American-made socks. All of the company’s socks are designed in Austin and constructed with cotton grown and knit in the Southeastern United States.
Sock Club partners with American factories to ensure control of the entire design and manufacturing processes. Their classic, colorful patterns look amazing. Sock Club offers monthly sock subscriptions — a great gift — as well as multi-packs that can be ordered via their website.
Fun dress socks for men
I wanted to break out a separate category highlighting colorful and fun dress socks for men, as distinct from the more casual options on this list.
Dress socks can still be fun, but if you’re wearing a suit you probably don’t want to dress it down with novelty giraffe socks.
The companies below specialize in what I would consider more traditional dress socks, which tend to be longer and often thinner than the other choices on this list.
(That said, you can still pair many of the fun socks across this entire list with a suit. I often wear Happy Socks’ colorful striped and quirky patterned socks with my suits. )
No Cold Feet
Photo courtesy No Cold Feet.
In 2016, Matt had a problem. He was getting married and tried to find a shop that specialized in colorful, fun socks for wedding parties. He couldn’t find a brand focused on weddings, so he and his new wife Mari decided to start his own.
No Cold Feet was founded to enable grooms and their brides to find fun, colorful, quality socks for their big day. Happily, Mari and Matt have designed a range of very appealing socks that work just as well for everyday occasions, made from 80% high-quality combed cotton blend with 15% nylon polymide and a little (5%) spandex for stretch.
I like their thin purple striped socks in particular.
Shop: Via Etsy or No Cold Feet’s website.
SHOPBOP
Upscale e-commerce destination SHOPBOP is an excellent one-stop shop for a variety of fun luxury dress socks. The site is particularly strong on European options like Badelaine Paris (Made in France), Paul Smith (Made in the UK), and Etiquette (Made in Italy), as well as Mr. Gray socks (Made in Japan).
Shop:
Dapper Classics
In 2011, Fred and Harrison Rich founded Dapper Classics to develop classic, over-the-calf socks. The duo’s socks are light, breathable and long.
As I wrote in an earlier review, “these are socks you feel. They are noticeably there on your legs. ”
Dapper Classics’ socks — made either of a cotton-nylon blend or merino wool — are manufactured in North Carolina. These are an amazing alternative to higher-priced imported socks from the likes of Pantherella or Marcoliani.
Shop: the Dapper Classics website.
Boardroom Socks
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Boardroom Socks is another great option for over-the-calf socks.
“We manufacture each pair of socks locally in North Carolina, ” President Nathan Jones told me, “and we are committed to supporting our state’s textile traditions. ”
The family-owned company makes several kinds of socks, including long, over-the-calf socks, as well as more modern mid-calf socks.
Their over-the-calf socks are made of a soft and comfortable 67% Merino Wool, 30% Nylon and 3% Spandex blend.
Shop Boardroom socks’ website or nab them via
Hook + Albert
Launched by Adam Schoenberg and Cory Rosenberg to cater to “an over saturated, yet underserved” market, New York-based hook + ALBERT offers a variety of mostly cotton blend socks that emphasize pastels and unique designs.
Manufactured in Peru, the socks are a blend of pima cotton, nylon and spandex. Their textured, open weave is exceptionally light and proved highly-breathable in oppressively hot conditions, though the socks tend to bunch a bit around the ankles.
Rising above mid-calf, hook + ALBERT’s socks are closer to a traditional-yet-fun dress sock than many of the other options here.
Shop: at Hook and Albert’s website.
Southern Scholar
Founded by entrepreneur Kevin Wohlman, Southern Scholar occupies a unique niche in the world of men’s dress socks with a unique fabric blend, a focus on colorful-yet-office-appropriate colors and patterns and a fantastic fit that doesn’t slouch.
Their subscription model makes a great gift for men: Gift-givers can choose to prepay for a 6 or 12 month subscription or customers can be billed on a month-to-month basis.
Fortis Green
Men’s footwear buyer Ray Willmoth moved to Melbourne, Australia from London, where he worked for nearly 10 years, to develop an attractive down-under line of fun dress socks for men. Named after the street in London where he lived, Fortis Green’s colorful dress socks are bright and lively.
Shop: From the Australia-based Fortis Green website.
These men’s sock brands went out of businesses
Sadly, some of the colorful men’s socks brands I covered have gone out of business:
OW Socks
OW Socks / Office Wiederholt
Update: As of 2019, the Office Widerholt website doesn’t appear to be working.
Sven Wiederholt, founder of Office Wiederholt, started making socks that “use interesting materials [and] have cutting edge designs” after coming across many quality, affordable pairs in Japan. “I always liked socks as a child, but could not find many styles for men in America, ” Wiederholt told Modern Fellows in 2013.
His response was to start designing in-your-face yet attractive socks, which OW manufactured in Japan and sold in America directly via its website and through retailers like Gilt, Stag, and Wittmore.
OW Socks were made from a cotton, polyester and polyurethane blend that resulted in a medium-weight sock which felt luxurious and was comfortable all day under a dress or casual shoe. Wiederholt’s socks, which retailed for about $24, rise only to the lower calf but stay up remarkably well, enabling them to be worn with a suit without worrying about showing some skin (at least for this reviewer). While they were on the shorter end of the spectrum, OW’s balance of bright colors, interesting designs, all-day comfort and construction made them a particularly well-rounded power sock.
Argoz Socks
Argoz “blue lagoon” socks
Update: As of October 2021, the Argoz website website is offline.
Argoz made beautiful, comfortable socks.
Founded by San Francisco-based entrepreneur Dan Soha, Argoz socks are made of a combination of cotton, spandex and nylon and spandex.
They’re super soft and stay up all day long, and their argyle patterns are particularly attractive for those looking to adopt the Dark or Light Academia fashion aesthetic. Some are made in the United States.
DapperGanger
Update: As of 2019, the DapperGanger website website doesn’t appear to be working.
DapperGanger made bright, eye-catching socks out of 78% Cotton, 20% Polyamide, 2% Spandex, and sold them online in multipacks. The brand received overwhelmingly glowing reviews on Amazon.
About Jake
Jake is passionate about exploring entrepreneurs’ global journeys. He founded Modern Fellows in 2012 to get to know the entrepreneurs behind the innovative brands helping men dress sharp in the digital age. Jake has written about entrepreneurship, international business and/or fashion for outlets including Business Week, Forbes, Inc., Details Style Syndicate and Primer Magazine, and has provided analysis on international business for BBC Radio, NBC News, CNN and Time Magazine.
